There are still seven years to go, but the work has already begun. To host the Olympic Games, the city of Rio de Janeiro will have to undergo a kind of overhaul. Traffic, transportation, security, and hospitality are some of the areas that must receive investment from the municipal, state, and federal governments, in addition to public initiatives. But to make the 2016 Olympics a success, the city's major clubs must also commit to developing new athletes and encouraging sports participation.

\

With the election of former swimmer Patricia Amorim as president of Flamengo for the next three years, athletes and former athletes from the club's Olympic sports believe that this work in the club's youth teams will be one of the priorities, to make the saying "Craque, o Flamengo does it at home" come true, not only on the pitch, but also on the courts, on the stages, in the pools...

\

"The grassroots work is very important. I believe Flamengo will play a fundamental role in promoting the 2016 Games. The city of Rio de Janeiro put on a show at the Pan American Games, but for the Olympics the structure has to be even better. We're on the right track and I believe a club as big as Flamengo can do a great job of promoting sports. It can take the youngsters, bring them into the club and develop new talent," explained former Flamengo volleyball player Virna, champion of the Women's Superliga in the 2000/2001 season.

\

Gymnast Diego Hypolito is an example of the success of Flamengo's Olympic sports club. A four-time world champion in floor gymnastics, Diego also believes the club can significantly contribute to the development of new gymnasts, swimmers, players, and citizens.

\

"Flamengo has a tradition of developing great athletes, and I believe this cannot be lost, especially with the Olympic Games coming up in 2016. Sport is a great way to develop not only new talent, but also citizens, and without a doubt, the club should invest in its youth teams," Diego added.